WhatsApp has introduced a new translation feature aimed at facilitating seamless communication among its diverse user base in the UAE. This update allows users to translate messages directly within the app, eliminating the need for third-party translation tools. The feature is designed to support both Android and iPhone users, enhancing the messaging experience for residents and professionals in Dubai and across the Emirates.
How the Translation Feature Works
To use the translation feature, users can long-press a message in a one-on-one chat, group conversation, or Channel update and select the “Translate” option. This action will translate the message into the user’s preferred language. The feature is compatible with personal and group chats, as well as channel updates. Android users also have the option to enable automatic translation for an entire chat thread, ensuring all incoming messages are translated by default.
Language Availability

The translation feature is being rolled out gradually:
- Android Users: Initially available in six languages—English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic. Android users can also enable automatic translation for entire chat threads, ensuring all incoming messages are translated by default.
- iPhone Users: At launch, iPhone users can translate messages into over 19 languages, including Dutch, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
Privacy Considerations
Meta has emphasized that the translation process occurs locally on users’ devices, ensuring that WhatsApp cannot access the content of the messages. This approach prioritizes user privacy while enhancing communication capabilities.
Implications for Dubai and the UAE
Dubai’s diverse population, comprising residents from various linguistic backgrounds, stands to benefit significantly from this new feature. The ability to translate messages within WhatsApp will streamline communication among friends, families, and colleagues who speak different languages, fostering more inclusive interactions in both personal and professional settings.
Meta plans to expand the language support for the translation feature in the future, aiming to accommodate the multilingual needs of its global user base. Users are encouraged to keep their WhatsApp app updated to access the latest features and improvements.
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